A Journey to the Highest Peaks of Texas’ Mountain Ranges

By Peter Simek 2.4.19

There is no state and no part of the world that rivals Texas’ radically varied landscape. The eastern woodlands, where early Caddo Indians built huge earth mounds and Davy Crockett scouted; southern coastal shoals, where prehistoric fossils can still be found and oil rigs have transformed the country’s economy; the Hill Country, where the Western frontier was fought; the north’s rolling high prairies and the canyons of the Panhandle: These iconic sceneries are indelibly burned into the American imagination.

But mountains? Those are usually an afterthought. Fortunately for Texas’ climbers, adventurers, and mountain lions, they do exist.

Texas has mountains — lots of them. The highest are the Guadalupe Mountains, which cross over the border from New Mexico. They’re joined by the Davis Mountains near Fort Davis, the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend, the Chinati Mountains in Presidio County, and the Franklin Mountains out in El Paso.

Between them, they offer some of the richest and most diverse topologies in the state. Each of Texas’ mountain ranges offers a challenge worthy of any Texan adventurer. Explore below.

Guadalupe Mountains

Location: Culberson County

Tallest peak: Guadalupe Peak (8,751 feet)

Best spot: The view from Guadalupe Peak, the highest spot in Texas.

Best way to explore: A couple of days backpacking on the Tejas Trail takes you through the heart of the range. If that sounds too tough, try the short hike along the Pinery Trail at Pine Springs.

Davis Mountains

Location: Jeff Davis County

Tallest peak: Mount Livermore (8,378 feet)

Best spot: The Fort Davis National Historic Site, which gives historical context to the stunning scenery.

Best way to explore: Get out your riding boots and ride horseback up the slopes of the volcanic formation. Or climb in a glider at Marfa Gliders and take in the scenery from a bird’s-eye view.

Chisos Mountains

Location: Big Bend National Park

Tallest peak: Emory Peak (7,835 feet)

Best spot: The view from the South Rim of the mountainous desert stretching into Mexico — one of the national park system’s greatest treasures.

Best way to explore: The popular Lost Mine Trail offers an easy day hike to one of the Chisos top peaks. Hardcore backpackers flock to the Outer Mountain Loop, a multi-day trekthat takes you through all the glories of the Chisos.